Senior Manager of Business Operations

Third Way•Washington, DC

13d•$85,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy. The Senior Manager of Business Operations (SMBO) will bring curiosity, high motivation, and versatility to effectively manage the day to-day activities of Business Operations. This includes overseeing office logistics, enforcing office health & safety protocols, and overseeing contracts for a wide range of internal and external relationships, including consultants, vendors, building services, and grant-funded engagements. The SMBO serves as the internal engine that manages contracts, facilities, vendors, budgets, and workflows—creating a strong operational foundation for the organization’s impact. Our ideal candidate is ready on Day 1 to lead with confidence, uphold compliance, and own processes. The SMBO must be able to strategically manage change, tactically navigate ambiguity, and consistently uphold Third Way’s standard of operational excellence. This role isn’t just about designing and running systems—it’s about shaping how people experience them. We’re looking for someone who thrives at the intersection of structure and service. This role reports to the Sr. Director of Business Operations (SDBO) and is expected to operate as a trusted partner—both in day-to-day decision-making and long-term visioning.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
A minimum of 5+ years of Operational, Vendor and Contract Management, Facility and Risk Management, or business work experience
Project Management experience
A proven ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple high-impact priorities simultaneously.
A hands-on, entrepreneurial approach with sharp attention to detail, strong team development skills, and the ability to navigate and influence cross-functional communication effectively.
Confidence and assertion when implementing controls and driving change, while maintaining collaborative, respectful relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Strategic Collaboration: Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to align business operations with strategic objectives
Translate organizational priorities into efficient, people-centered systems and processes: Serve as a thought partner and trusted advisor, balancing big-picture strategy with operational detail Own the development and maintenance of the “BizOps Manual” to document institutional knowledge and best practices
Design and launch a learning series that supports staff fluency in core operations processes: Collaborate with SDBO to define and advance the department’s long-term goals
Build strong partnerships across HR, IT, Finance & Grants, Office of the President, Learning & Organizational Development to ensure solutions are integrated, efficient, and user-focused
Maintain consistent communication with internal stakeholders, surfacing insights and supporting cross-departmental awareness
Promote a customer-focused culture rooted in clarity, responsiveness, and operational excellence Source fresh ideas and practices from peer organizations and thought leaders in the field.
Operations Management, People, & Culture: Oversee the day-to-day flow and function of Third Way’s physical office, including facilities, maintenance, supplies, and emergency preparedness
Manage operation vendor relationships and ensure contracts, deliverables, and service expectations are met
Track and manage office and vendor budgets with accuracy, collaborating with Finance as needed
Maintain oversight of Third Way’s corporate insurance policies
Serve as a coach and mentor within the team, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning
Uphold health and safety protocols and proactively recommend improvements based on research and best practice
Oversee the maintenance and restocking of the office pantry and supplies, aligned with budget and staff needs
Create and manage a platform for anonymous staff feedback and help develop actionable responses
Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture where staff feel heard, valued, and supported
Identify opportunities to improve internal workflows, communication systems, and team logistics. Lead office administration and strategy, and ensure the operational readiness, appearance, and presentation of the office
Manage various relationships that relate to office and facility management, acting as the primary contact to various vendors (e.g. building maintenance, furnishings, suppliers, painters, etc.) seeking and vetting new ones as needed/recommended
Promote inclusion, whereby team members feel included, have a voice, and uniqueness/ differences are appreciated
With focused guidance, demonstrate initiative, autonomy, and high performance while integrating feedback from leadership
Articulate and implement innovative and practical approaches to solving operations challenges
Perform other duties, as assigned. NOTE : Following 90-day introductory period, the SMBO assumes the supervisor role over the Office & Facilities Associate.
Contract Management: Manage the end-to-end contract process—drafting, reviewing, routing, and execution—in alignment with compliance protocols
Maintain up-to-date contract records and dashboards within Salesforce; proactively track performance, expirations, and reporting requirements Provide training and guidance to internal stakeholders on contract best practices including contract review protocols, appropriate timelines, etc.
Spearhead the development of new templates, processes, guides, or checklists to build staff confidence in working with contracts
Serve as a key partner to Finance and program heads, ensuring contracts are scoped accurately, routed efficiently, executed on time, and reported on as expected.